Bangkok: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings - The Itinerary: What to Expect

The 15 Top Tours In Bangkok: Which Is Best?

Discover the best tours in Bangkok—from cultural visits to culinary adventures—helping you choose the perfect experience with detailed insights.

Bangkok isn’t just a city of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets; it’s a place where history, spirituality, and food come together in a way that’s hard to match. What makes Bangkok truly special for tours is its blend of ancient temples, vibrant markets, and lively neighborhoods, often all within a short distance. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, taste Thai street food, or cruise its canals, Bangkok offers a variety of experiences. We’re particularly fond of the Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch because it combines a UNESCO-listed site with a tasty local meal, and the Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ tastings for its deep dive into Bangkok’s night food scene—both are unforgettable.

For travelers who enjoy history, culture, and authentic flavors, Bangkok is a treasure trove. That’s why we’ve compiled the 15 best tours, ranging from full-day temple visits to private market explorations and culinary classes. If you’re planning your trip, this guide will help you pick the right experience to match your interests and schedule.

1. From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch

From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour With Lunch

At number 1 is the Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch, which offers a fantastic way to step back into Thailand’s past. This full-day trip takes you from Bangkok to the ancient Siamese capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour visits four key temples, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet—the royal temple—and Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots. The highlight is not just the sights but also the storytelling from guides who bring history to life. The tour includes a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. With over 7,000 reviews averaging 4.7/5, it’s clear many travelers enjoy this mix of history, culture, and comfort.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers who want a comprehensive day trip that’s both educational and delicious.

2. Bangkok: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Bangkok: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

For those who want to indulge their taste buds, the Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings is a must. This 4-hour walking tour covers markets, street stalls, and hidden corners where locals cook up recipes passed down through generations. The tour includes 8 to 9 stops, with visits to two Michelin-listed street food venues. Led by professional food guides, you’ll sample dishes like spicy salads, flavorful noodle bowls, and sweets. The group size stays small—max eight—which ensures a personalized experience. With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.9/5 rating, it’s the top-rated food tour in Bangkok.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want variety—this tour is the most comprehensive food experience you’ll find in Bangkok.

3. Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour

At number 3, this City Highlights Tour offers a balanced mix of Bangkok’s iconic temples and lively markets. You’ll visit the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun—each showcasing different aspects of Thai craftsmanship and spirituality. The tour also includes visits to local markets, giving a glimpse of everyday life. It’s a flexible 2- to 4-hour experience, ideal for those short on time but wanting a solid overview. Reviewers appreciate the detailed explanations and accessible pace, with an average rating of 4.5/5 from nearly 4,000 reviews.

Bottom Line: Best suited for first-timers who want a quick but rich introduction to Bangkok’s main sights.

4. Bangkok: Maliwan Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour

Bangkok: Maliwan Thai Cooking Class With Market Tour

Number 4 on our list is the Maliwan Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour, which offers a hands-on culinary experience. The tour begins with a visit to a local market—by tuk tuk—where you pick fresh ingredients, then learn to cook four authentic Thai dishes with a friendly instructor. The class emphasizes practical skills and tasting your creations, making it ideal for foodies and travelers who want to learn Thai cooking from scratch. With a 4.9/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, it’s praised for its engaging teaching and flavorful results.

Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers eager to take the taste of Thailand home.

5. Floating & Railway Market and Coconut Farm Tour [Optional Luxury]

Floating & Railway Market and Coconut Farm Tour [Optional Luxury]

At number 5, this Floating & Railway Market Tour combines two iconic markets with a coconut farm visit. The tour includes a boat ride through Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and a walk through the Maeklong Railway Market where trains pass inches from stalls—an extraordinary sight. The tour is limited to small groups (max 10), with an optional luxury upgrade for extra comfort. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the authentic experience. The tour lasts around 7 hours, making it a full-day adventure.

Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a comprehensive, personalized market experience with a touch of luxury.

6. Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

For an interactive experience, the Hands-on Thai Cooking Class lets you create four authentic dishes alongside a professional chef. The morning class starts with a market visit to pick ingredients, then you’ll cook, taste, and even try your hand at mango carving in the afternoon. The class is intimate, with small groups, and highly rated at 4.8/5 from over 1,300 reviews. Many travelers highlight how much they learn and how delicious their dishes turn out.

Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary travelers who want to learn Thai recipes in a fun, supportive environment.

7. Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour: 15+ Tastings Included

Number 7 is a Food Tour that combines canal cruising in a traditional klong boat with sampling local foods in Nang Loeng Market. Led by a local chef, the 4-hour tour includes 15+ tastings, from savory dishes to desserts, in small eateries away from tourist crowds. The guide’s enthusiasm and the authentic atmosphere make it a favorite, with a perfect 5/5 from 867 reviews.

Bottom Line: A superb pick for those looking to combine sightseeing with eating.

8. Private Excursion to Maeklong Railway and Floating Markets

Private Excursion to Maeklong Railway and Floating Markets

Number 8 offers a private day trip where you control the pace. It features visits to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Mae Klong Railway Market, with optional upgrades to Erawan Waterfalls and the River Kwai. The private guide ensures personalized attention, and the itinerary includes a boat ride and market strolls. With excellent reviews, this tour is flexible and ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who prefer privacy and customization.

9. Floating and Railway Market (Optional Waterfall): Private Tour

Floating and Railway Market (Optional Waterfall): Private Tour

This full-day private tour expands on the previous experience with added options like waterfalls and historical sites. It includes boat rides at Damnoen Saduak and a train ride at Mae Klong, with opportunities to explore coconut sugar farms. Rated 5/5 by reviewers, it’s suited for those who want a comprehensive, flexible day out with a personal guide.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full, private immersion into markets and nature.

10. Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour to Big Buddha & Canal Life 2hrs

Hidden Bangkok Canal Tour: A 2-Hour Journey Through Local Life

Number 10 is a short, scenic canal cruise focusing on the Thonburi side of Bangkok. The Hidden Bangkok Longtail Boat Tour takes you past Big Buddha and through quiet canals where locals live and work. It’s perfect for photographers or travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic view of Bangkok’s waterway life. With an excellent 5/5 rating from over 1,400 reviews, the tour offers a rare glimpse away from crowded tourist spots.

Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a tranquil, intimate experience along Bangkok’s waterways.

11. Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour

Bangkok: Elephant Sanctuary & Erawan Waterfall Tour

Number 11 combines interaction with elephants at ElephantsWorld with a trek to Erawan National Park and its seven-tier waterfalls. The nearly 12-hour tour is for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers who want a responsible, ethical experience. Reviewers note the meaningful elephant interactions and beautiful waterfalls, making it a full-day escape from the city.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a mix of wildlife and nature within a responsible tour.

12. Hands on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

Hands on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour

This interactive cooking class focuses on creating four traditional dishes with a professional chef. It includes a market visit or mango carving, depending on the session. The small-group format and outstanding 5/5 reviews make it an engaging way to learn Thai cuisine.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies looking for an immersive, practical cooking experience.

13. Historical City of Ayutthaya – Unesco Full Day Tour From Bangkok

Historical City of Ayutthaya - Unesco Full Day Tour From Bangkok

Another excellent full-day trip to Ayutthaya, this tour emphasizes comfort and in-depth exploration. Visiting temples and the Bang Pa In Palace, you’ll see the highlights of this UNESCO site. With a highly rated guide and small group size, it’s a favorite for travelers wanting a relaxed, comprehensive experience.

Bottom Line: Great for history buffs who want an in-depth look at Thailand’s ancient capital.

14. Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour

Number 14 offers a biking adventure through Chinatown and Thonburi. The 3-hour ride takes you past bustling markets, temples, and quiet neighborhoods, revealing parts of Bangkok most travelers miss. Reviewers praise its well-organized route and friendly guides.

Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want to cover more ground and see real Bangkok life.

15. Bangkok in a Day: Must-Visit Highlights Tour with a Guide

Bangkok in a Day: Must-Visit Highlights Tour with a Guide

Finally, the Bangkok in a Day Tour packs all the essential sights into 7 hours. Covering the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown, this tour offers a full overview with a knowledgeable guide. It’s flexible with transportation options and suits travelers with limited time.

Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers who want a quick, thorough introduction in one day.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If history and temples are your thing, the Ayutthaya Guided Tour is a standout. For food lovers, the Backstreets Food Tour or the Cooking Classes provide immersive, tasty experiences. Travelers seeking a private, tailored day can opt for the Private Markets Tour or Full-Day Private Market Experiences. For a relaxed view of local life, the canal boat tours are unbeatable. Always consider group size—smaller tours tend to be more personal—and check reviews to see which guides resonate with you.

Booking early is wise, especially for popular experiences like the Elephant Sanctuary or Cooking Classes, which fill quickly in high season. Think about your fitness level, too—biking and walking tours demand some energy, while boat rides and temple visits are more laid-back.

Bangkok offers a wide range of tours that suit every traveler, whether your goal is cultural enrichment, culinary delight, or just a peaceful escape. From exploring the ancient temples of Ayutthaya to tasting street food on tiny stalls, each experience adds a new layer of understanding of this lively city. For a balanced mix, the Ayutthaya day trip and River & Canal Tours are excellent—so don’t wait too long to book. These adventures will make your visit truly memorable.